Friday, August 15, 2014

Making Changes

The way that I've run things up to now is by filling orders on a made to order basis. Which means that I don't have much in the way of stock sitting around waiting to be sold (well, I have lots of ribbon waiting to be made into things, but that's a different story). A lot of times I make things once, take a photo to post on my page and then it gets ordered multiple times after that. Not that this is a bad thing, but there are times when I get asked if I just have something in stock ready to go and 9 times out of 10 I don't. That needs to change.

This year Hip-Bow-Potamus Designs has grown a lot through hard work and perseverance. I'm very grateful for all that I've been able to accomplish thus far. I want to continue making changes that will be a benefit to both myself and my customers. So here is what I want to work on for the remainder of the year...I want to have a base of RTS items of the most popular themes and bow styles. I'm still going to accept orders for made to order items and of course custom orders (since those are my specialty after all), but I'd really like to have more things ready to sell. Overall my goal is to create a faster turnaround time and I believe that this will help.

I've started a RTS (Ready To Ship/Sell) album on my Facebook page where I will be keeping photos of all my ready made items. I'm going to stay on top of the number of items that are left to sell and hopefully keep a continuous base of items that are ready to go. I'm completely open to suggestions as to what you, my customers, would like to see in this album and every time I sit down to work on RTS items I will create those as well.


Here are a few new items I've come up with that are currently available RTS:





My number one goal is to keep my customers happy and I'm hoping that this change will help me succeed in that goal. :)

Cheers!
-Sarah
 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

To New Beginnings

I have this incredibly terrible habit of saying I will take time away from my business and then I just don't. Probably for many reasons, but I'm always thinking about how I can continue to grow my business and taking time away makes that difficult. I know that everyone needs a break from work here and there and that it's a good thing. However, in this particular instance, I'm glad that on one of my "days off" I took a few minutes to hop on Facebook. If I hadn't, I may have missed out on an incredible opportunity for my business to grow!


Early in July I took two weeks off with the intention of relaxing, having family time and then working on other aspects of my business that didn't include filling orders. The first week was for family time and I thoroughly enjoyed every second that I spent technology free with them. We all definitely need to take a step back for times like this. We ended up cutting our time away short and had an extra day at home. Of course if I'm around a laptop, I will inevitably log in to my Facebook account. I behaved and didn't go on my business page at all, but I saw that I was tagged on a post for a boutique that was just starting up and looking for artisans. At first I thought 'No, I'm on holidays, I'm not getting into this until after next week' but my logic got the best of me... 


What would have happened if I'd just waited? I could have missed out and someone else could have scooped up the spot! I went to her page and sent her a message conveying my extreme interest in this opportunity. It didn't take long for me to decide to hop on board after getting all of the information from Sharon of Clover and Chrysalis. Who could pass up an opportunity to have their designs seen by more people? Not I!




I got to work on making some brand new items to showcase at Clover and Chrysalis. You'll find new headband designs that aren't on my Facebook page, Clippie Sets, Mix & Match Flower Sets, Satin Pinwheel Flowers and Bow sets using some new ribbons that I have yet to work with! I'm very excited! The only downside is I didn't have enough time to take photos of everything I made, so you'll have to head over when she opens to see them.

On Tuesday, August 12, 2014 I headed over to her shop at 14 Water St. in Cambridge to meet her and set up my little spot in the store! 
I have to say I was very impressed by the look and feel inside the shop. She has an amazing space open to lots of opportunity. Sharon made me feel very comfortable in joining her on this adventure and I have a really great feeling that her boutique is going to be a huge success. I'm thrilled to be part of the group of artisans who will be in her store when it first opens!

Here's a peek of her shop:
Before the furniture was in

Storefront
Beautiful brick wall inside

Isn't it gorgeous?

Here's a look at my current setup in the shop:


Once you walk in the store you head to your right and I'm on the front table. In the future I hope to add a lot more selection as well as increase my space.

I'm incredibly excited about this new venture and I hope that you'll take the time to head over to Clover & Chrysalis and see all the amazing items for sale. She's hoping to open in September 2014. I will post about her grand opening when I have all the details!


Here's to the future and new beginnings. You just never know when opportunity is going to knock. Will you answer?

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Photo Shoot with Julie Nicole Photography

Yesterday I had the immense pleasure of working with Julie of Julie Nicole Photography to capture some amazing photos of my hair pretties in action.

Julie is an amazingly talented photographer! I was in absolute awe of her patience, professionalism and ability to make all of the adorable children modelling my designs at ease. For those who were a wee bit fussy, they didn't stay that way for long. On top of it all, Julie is pretty laid back and so much fun to work with. I foresee more photo sessions with her, not only for my business, but also for my family.

I got the opportunity to see some of the SOOC images in between shots and was amazed at what she captured. I can not wait to see the final product once she's chosen the best images and edited them. I just know that I will be over the moon.

So as not to keep you in too much suspense, here are a couple of sneaks that Julie sent me today:



Miss M showing off a beautiful hand sewn Pleated Flower with Peach Pearl.


Miss M twirling about in a Cotillion Blue Tutu Dress with hints of white. I love this shot!

I have to say that I would highly recommend Julie for any of your photography needs! If you are a business owner looking to have a more professional look, she is the lady you need to call! She'll work with you to get the images you need and the style you want.

Cheers!
-Sarah

Monday, November 26, 2012

The Hip-Bow-Potamus Designs' Blog

Welcome to my blog!

I thought it would be a great idea to have another place to keep everyone posted on the goings on at Hip-Bow-Potamus Designs!

I'm going to post special promotions and sales here that will be for my blog followers only. You'll also be able to see what I'm up to from day-to-day with regards to new designs. I love to keep you all in the loop with my creations! I'll keep you posted on what new items I have on order or anything that is on back order.

To all of my wonderful customers/followers, I appreciate every one of you for allowing me to continue my creative passion. I love creating these beautiful accessories for your little ones (and my own) and hope to do so for many years to come. :)

Hope to see you all here.

Sarah K.